Reviews of Racquets Formula (1989)
by Penhaligon's

I thought this would but like a Lacoste, Polo or some other "sporty" scent for golfers, tennis players or other gentlemen style sports. I'm surprised that this is more of a huge citrus powder with a quince tartness to it (the clove I suppose). Lasts a good while. It smells "barbershop"-ish to me. Actually, I imagine this is what those big ol' powdered wigs that the judges wore back in the 1700's.

Racquets Formula, in my opinion, is both mis-named and mis-classified. “Racquets” suggests a summery-crisp green scent, a sporty tonic to be splashed on after a tennis match at Lords. Penhaligon classifies Racquets as a citrus scent. Having tried it, I would say it is a semi-oriental with minimal citrus. It has rich spices and an equally rich amber/powder backbone. There is only about 5 seconds worth of citrus at the beginning. Those citrus notes are immediately softened and immersed in the florals. Lovely spices and pleasant wood notes are noticeable, in particular the frankincense interacts well with the cedar. It is a complex and lovely scent, with many layers and stages. The dry-down has beautiful moments, as the vetiver mingles with musk and incense. But it still retains a powdery-amber aspect, thus it is a little too rich for my liking.

This is a most unusual scent - oceanic, powdery, with a marshmallow-like air (clove and a bit of rose). Unique, interesting, but not for constant wear. This is best as a seasonal scent.

14 notes:

Top: Geranium, Lemon, Lavender, Bergamot, Lime
Middle: Rose, Ylang Ylang, Clove, Cedarwood
Base: Musk, Amber, Oakmoss, Vetiver, Frankincense

I suppose my opinion on this one is influenced by the fact that this was a blind buy( at deep discount) that smelled nothing like I expected it to. It is not at all unpleasant, but it is a bit heavy, especially for a fragrance that Penhalgion's describes as "Light,refreshing" and a fragrance that "goes marvellously with the glow and exhilaration of exercise." This would be all well and good if your exercise of choice is skiing or hiking in snow shoes across the frozen tundra, but if you are actually playing some indoor or outdoor racketed sport I would suggest you look elsewhere for your fragrance needs. Orange, geranium, clove, and musk are the predominant notes here and while fairly long lasting this scent doesn't come back at all with heat and sweat.

I got a sample from Penhaligons shop in Windsor. Since I've never been a fonder of spicy scents, Racquets was doomed. After several consecutive days, I decided to give it up. Unlike other Penhaligons perfumes, its lasting power is quite impressive but it's too heady and oriental for me.